If edgy, thought-provoking art is your thing, there’s no need to catch a train to New York or Boston.

Through Sept. 28, the Norwich Arts Center is hosting 30 Under 30, a gallery that showcases the work of rising artists from across the region. The exhibition’s opening reception Friday night was timed to be part of the city’s First Friday series.

“I think it’s fantastic. Having a show like this has a really good vibe, and it’s always great to see the next generation of artists,” said Joe Matovic of New London, an associate artist member of the Norwich center.

From graphic design to mixed media, the gallery is an important venue for young artists like Matovic.

Located at 60-64 Broadway, the center is in the heart of Norwich’s Chelsea Arts District. But it still suffers from a lack of foot traffic that sometimes makes it challenging to draw people in, said John Lancz, whose wife, Linda, is on a cooperative that oversees its operation.

First Fridays helps with that, he said.

Originally formed as the Norwich Arts Council in 1987 by a consortium of artists who found inspiration in the region’s cultural offerings, the center has steadily expanded over the years. The distinctive stained glass window of the former Kokopelli coffee house remains in place at the building, helping to set it apart from other Broadway structures.

Even so, Lancz said the city needs to attract more productions such as First Friday, which enhances patronage from pedestrians. Next door to the center, Reliance House held an exhibition featuring original works by Phillip Brose, a self-taught artist who most recently was part of a juried show at Norwich Free Academy’s Slater Memorial Museum.

“It’s a good idea. I think we’re still in the process of getting people walking downtown, and we really need that,” Lancz said.

Thumbing through a portfolio of her photography Friday night, Linda Lancz and Norwich resident Marcus Maulucci traded techniques. It’s an example of the mentoring opportunities that First Friday events provide.

“It’s great. I’ve been to downtown before and never really walked around,” Maulucci said. “I’m glad that I found it.”